Vacuum Cleaner Diversity

[loganvac]

I've come across a dilemma over the years; I've attempted to network with fellow enthusiasts and collectors on Facebook groups and forums alike. On many occasions, raining on someones parade by expressing a very strong opinion about how horrible someones preferred cleaners are is common in said groups, and I would like to start a different trend. I need to elaborate that everyone is entitled to their opinions and there is nothing wrong with having them, however What is you favorite vacuum to use daily? Why do you enjoy it? I'm anxious to read about your favorite machine and the joy it brings you. Perhaps we can focus on these positive aspects and celebrate the hobby we all share, different machines and why we enjoy them.

 

[blackheart]

Hmm...

I find I don't really have a daily driver. I've thought to myself when I finally purchased my own place a Proteam 1500xp would be a good choice since it has a good amount of convenience features to it like a dual motor system and an easily used onboard wand.

And while I do not have a true daily driver I've found that I enjoy using higher performing machines more. Machines like Kirby, Sanitaire, Patriot a tandem air machine. I just have a confidence in these machines and using them really makes me feel like my carpets are clean. It's certainly "fun" to use other machines regardless of their level of performance, but those don't bring that sense of satisfaction.

 

[cam2s]

Favorite machines

I don’t really have a daily driver either, I probably have over 100 machines( for Better or worse lol) so I rotate them out and try to cycle through everything periodically. That being said there are some vacuums that I tend to grab more often than others and they are usually always out and at the ready. My top 5 would be (in no order)
Miracle Mate Platinum.
Lux 7000
Kenmore Progressive direct drive upright
Rainbow E2 black
Hoover Windtunnel, I use both my red bagged supreme and the silver twin chamber bagless.

While each has its own traits, overall the group offers a solid mix of build quality, performance, filtration, and ease of use.

 

[huskyvacs]

My daily right now is a Kirby Sentria cloned into a Sentria II that has a bad transmission. Before that, before I was a collector I mean, it was an Ultimate G Kirby. I have a small house with even less carpet now, and with so much junk all over it kind of ruins the fun of vacuuming. Need to address that.

Eventually once I get my vacuums all fixed up I think I will run them around and alternate months of use perhaps, looks like that idea is shared with other commenters as well.

 

[dysonman1]

I've been using my Silverado quite a bit lately. I rotate it out with my Tri-Star as well as my Air-Way Sanitizor. The Rainbow E2 Black is going to get used next week for Fall Cleaning.

 

[suckolux]

Ditto with Silverado,a twin! With a little bit of Kirby heritage legend 2 thrown in

 

[human]

There's not a whole lot of diversity to my collection--mainly a bunch of Kirbys and Electroluxes with a few Eureka/Sanitaires thrown in for good measure. I don't have a 'daily driver' since that would pre-suppose that I vacuum daily, which I don't, not even weekly. When I do vacuum, I just grab the first machine available that will accomplish the task at hand.

 

[jo]

I’ve always seem to have liked…

The US Electrolux canisters. Between the ease of the swivel hose handles and the ease of use and versatility of the combination tools, the cogged tire cord reinforced power nozzle belts and the self adjusting nature of the power nozzles and finally the shape of the canister, I find using them to be much easier than other canisters or uprights. My only complaint mostly is the cordwinders…the window shade style where the cord locks isn’t quite as good…there have beeen plenty of times the cord got pulled either because it got caught on something or was too short and then became unlocked and started retracting. The brake type with the pedal to reel in the cord is a better design and I know the later top of the line models do have it.

I’ve often been ok using Electrolux attachments on a shop vac with the 1 1/4” hose and wands which has indicated to me that their tools are definitely something that I like over other brands.

I do like the automatic control models because they can accurately stop me from using the vac with less than optimal suction due to a full bag. Plus, it’s a fun feature to have a vacuum that physically does something automatically such as popping the bag door open all by itself. Too bad the current models no longer open the bag door but at least they shut off and a check for full bag light comes on.

And let’s not forget the glam factor! For the most “glamorous looking vacuum”!surely the Golden Jubilee and Super J (nearly identical) take home the prize with their golden metallic textured bodies and mirror finish chrome tops! While some may consider the coloring hideous by today’s standards…during the “golden decor years” of the 70’s…these colors and models were the in look! I wouldn’t be surprised if Donald Trump who seems to love gold decor insists his housekeeping staff use no other model! Admittedly it would fit right in! (Yes…I’m leaving political views completely out of this). Now while these models were given the gold color more to celebrate the 50th Golden anniversary of US Electrolux, they also coincided beautifully with the in decor colors of the time.

I do like my Shark rocket model I have, it came with a separate floor brush tool and a folding flex wand and was exclusively sold at Costco. It’s easy to use though I’d like an easier way to keep the attachments with the unit. I do like the combination crevice tool/dusting brush attachment. One object with 3 uses. A crevice tool, a dusting brush, or add to the long wand for an extra extension wand for something hard to reach! And for a bagless vac with a small dust bin, I’m amazed it really doesn’t lose suction all that quickly and the filter is as easy to clean as a kitchen sponge!

Jon

 

[madman]

Shark Rocket Professional. (A real upright, not a stick vac.) It's funny because a lot of folks here get all bent out of shape when someone says a Shark is good. But honestly, yeah. Great suction, cleans well, swivel steering, very quiet, easy to empty, washable filters. You can't get parts? I'm more resourceful than that. It's hard to repair? I take cars apart for a living. If you think needing an extra long phillips head screwdriver is a challenge, you have no idea.

Honestly, I very much enjoy using my old straight suction Eureka every now and then, because it's fun. It's an experience, too. Watching the bag inflate, the smell of an oily old motor and carbon brushes, seeing the carpet lift off the floor. But it's not really practical. Although... I must say that the nozzle can get right up against the baseboards and get the dust there that literally any modern brushed vacuum will miss. Hmm.

 

[fanofvacuums2]

The issue that you described is a common trend with a few particular users on Reddit and YouTube as well. Personally, I do not discriminate. I will work on anything put in front of me and do a good job even if the machine is objectively cheap or bad. If it comes to me for pocket change or for free, I will refurbish it. In fact, I just did a full refurbishment on a Bissell PowerForce and stripped a 2000s Dirt Devil Outlast to restore today. I am aware enough to understand that a lot of people like machines that I do not think are good and there is no reason for me to tell anybody that they cannot like a type of unit. There is also something fulfilling about knowing how to open and fully service all these different machines whether it is a Shark, Dyson, Kenmore, Miele, Oreck, or whatever.

The main vacuum cleaner that I use is my Kenmore 600 Series bagless canister from 2013. It only came with the canister and the hose, so I took a spare NuTone central vacuum power nozzle (one of the old style ones with two rows of bristles and one row of beaters) that I had along with spare Kenmore attachments I found at thrift stores and I use it for everything. I like it because I can unplug the nozzle and suck dirt out of machines I am repairing, use it in my car with the miniature power nozzle, use it around the house regularly, and onward. It has a properly designed multi-cyclonic bin, the filter is washable, and it has a nice and large exhaust filter. It does everything I need it to do.

 

[loganvac]

Thank you everyone!

It's refreshing to read about how vacuums are rotated, enjoyed and given turns to be used. In that sense I can see how designating a daily driver per se can be tricky! Currently our house is vacuumed twice a day. My fiance uses her Shark Navigator Lift Away, which is blue and was sold exclusively at Walmart for a short time. When I get home from work, I use my Electrolux Lux 400 upright, which was US Electrolux's 1st upright with a hose on board. Being an employee of Aerus I use this machine the most because I can easily source parts and supplies for it. Once a week I like to rotate other machines in my collection too.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I'm only Hoover, as most know.

But, for diversity, I use all different kinds of Hoovers. I rotate, etc. There's always one at the ready.

 

[kloveland]

I don't have a daily driver either. Lately, I've been using my Kirby classic III and modern Electrolux tanks. I do take vacuums out of my collection room for a spin though!

Use whatever you like and don't let people judge you!

 

[loganvac]

Dysonman1

I’m an avid fan of anything Electrolux, particularly of the Silverado. yours is an awesome example and a great performer with looks and durability to match.

My Lux 4000 was my introduction to Electrolux and really helped to solidify my fondness of the way old Electrolux company!

 

[dysonman1]

Just for diversity, I decided to run the Air-Way Zephyr that was a gift from the late Stan Kann (the godfather of the vacuum collecting hobby). It's the only one I have ever seen.

 

[loganvac]

Airway!

I've been infatuated with that upright style for a long time. Does that model have a rotating brush? And is there a pigtail cord going to the cleaner head to power a second motor? Very interesting!

 

[thatwasherguy]

My favorite vacuum cleaner is the Eureka victory. It’s nostalgic to my childhood (my parents had one). The only thing I like better than the way it looks is the way it sounds. I know it wasn’t the greatest vacuum ever made, but it’s my personal favorite.

 

[jo]

I’ve always seem to have liked…

The US Electrolux canisters. Between the ease of the swivel hose handles and the ease of use and versatility of the combination tools, the cogged tire cord reinforced power nozzle belts and the self adjusting nature of the power nozzles and finally the shape of the canister, I find using them to be much easier than other canisters or uprights. My only complaint mostly is the cordwinders…the window shade style where the cord locks isn’t quite as good…there have beeen plenty of times the cord got pulled either because it got caught on something or was too short and then became unlocked and started retracting. The brake type with the pedal to reel in the cord is a better design and I know the later top of the line models do have it.

I’ve often been ok using Electrolux attachments on a shop vac with the 1 1/4” hose and wands which has indicated to me that their tools are definitely something that I like over other brands.

I do like the automatic control models because they can accurately stop me from using the vac with less than optimal suction due to a full bag. Plus, it’s a fun feature to have a vacuum that physically does something automatically such as popping the bag door open all by itself. Too bad the current models no longer open the bag door but at least they shut off and a check for full bag light comes on.

And let’s not forget the glam factor! For the most “glamorous looking vacuum”!surely the Golden Jubilee and Super J (nearly identical) take home the prize with their golden metallic textured bodies and mirror finish chrome tops! While some may consider the coloring hideous by today’s standards…during the “golden decor years” of the 70’s…these colors and models were the in look! I wouldn’t be surprised if Donald Trump who seems to love gold decor insists his housekeeping staff use no other model! Admittedly it would fit right in! (Yes…I’m leaving political views completely out of this). Now while these models were given the gold color more to celebrate the 50th Golden anniversary of US Electrolux, they also coincided beautifully with the in decor colors of the time.

I do like my Shark rocket model I have, it came with a separate floor brush tool and a folding flex wand and was exclusively sold at Costco. It’s easy to use though I’d like an easier way to keep the attachments with the unit. I do like the combination crevice tool/dusting brush attachment. One object with 3 uses. A crevice tool, a dusting brush, or add to the long wand for an extra extension wand for something hard to reach! And for a bagless vac with a small dust bin, I’m amazed it really doesn’t lose suction all that quickly and the filter is as easy to clean as a kitchen sponge!

Jon

 

[briannc]

If I'm not using my central vacuum, I usually reserve this to once a week. It's much easier for me to just lug around the hose/powerhead and tools. My next go to would be the Electrolux.

I am using an Electrolux 6000SR canister vacuum. Love this machine, the tools, the floorbrush and lighted powerhead.

If I'm not using the Electrolux; I have an array of Kenmore and Hoover Canisters from the 1970's to current.

The main go to after the Electrolux would be the Hoover Windtunnel Anniversary Canister...love this machine the only downside for me is the unruly hose...wish this machine had the older celebrity/spirit/dimension/spectrum/futura style hose...has anyone replaced/rewired this vacuum hose to fit?? I'm curious...

I have a few uprights in my collection (8) (Shark, Hoover, Eureka) but rarely use them. Too heavy and bulky. I do have to say that I purhased a Eureka ESP upright a few months ago and blown away by the performance. My first ever Eureka upright and was amazed. For me it performs much better than the Hoover Convertible and Dial-A-Matics I have and the tool suction on the Eureka was excellent for an upright. I use the Eureka on my upstairs carpeting and this Eureka grooms the carpet well.

 

[rivstg1]

your(OP) question began a thought trail for me....that went all over the place! haha. I don't have a single 'favorite' vacuum cleaner to use....as I have many like you all too. I usually rotate one every 2 weeks and I have different ones for upstairs vs main floor of the house, thus, I get to use different ones more often that way and exercise them all (eventually).....but am surprised at myself, in that, I"m definitely an upright vacuum fan and yet I now have a number of canisters/tanks.....Electrolux model G, 2 royal power team tanks, 2 Filter Queens, 2 Rainbows and a Miele c1 that I enjoy using exclusively in the kitchen area b/c its so quiet.

my uprights in order of quantity, are Kirby, Royal, Hoover, and Miele

 

[loganvac]

thatwasherguy

Eureka Victory style vacuums are some of my favorites as well! They're for sure stylish and the motors have a nice hum to them. I own a later model (my yellow The Boss Wide track) featured as my profile pic on here as well as a Whirlwind Self-Propelled version. Both of mine have the bagless cassette.

Unfortunately, Victories are known to have poorly balanced motor fans, and ones with this issue can be noisy and pleasant to run. I'm lucky to say that mine have been spared of this defect.

Other than that, they're fun to use and can clean pretty well. Even my bagless models can pull quite a bit of sediment from my carpet, but I do maintain them meticulously.

 

[dysonman1]

Loganvac

Yes, it is a 2 motor system with a short pigtail cord making the connection to the motor. It uses a beater-bar brush system. And of course, the patented disposable bag.

 

[louvac]

I bet some of you do what I do....

I have a tendency to use certain machines at certain times of the year. Don't know why. For example, I will use my Kirbys and Royals more in January and February, Electroluxes in March, Hoovers in April and May, Eureka's in June and July, and the rest of the year pretty much whatever I get fixated with.

It's really more of a seasonal thing based on what my past memories lead me to choose.

Well?

 

[human]

I don't use different vacuums at different times of the year. It's always just what strikes my fancy at the moment. But looking back on my patterns of collecting, I tend to get the acquisition itch in the late winter and early spring. I also like being able to sit out on my deck and work on them during that time of year. But this year, my vacuholism has just been off the proverbial chain, especially the past four months, during which I have acquired no less than six vacuum cleaners and related accessories. After last week's double Kirby extravaganza, I've imposed a moratorium on any further acquisitions. I'm trying to make myself realize I've finally reached the tipping point of 'enough', although truth be told, I was probably there quite some time ago and just refused to see it.

 

[dysonman1]

Louvac

I never thought about it before but I guess I too use certain brands at certain times of the year. Christmas is always about the Electrolux. Snow days are always Kirby days. Hadn't really realized it until you mentioned you did it too.

 

[suckolux]

I definitely grab Silverado when I'm having a happy memories in the past moment! Not only how it was acquired and the person that helped me, but I bought it because of the fun I had with our wealthy neighbor who had the early 1205 with power head it was close enough for me to feel like a moment with her. I dug it out today after having a dream about her and my Silverado the two of course have never met but she had her blue 12:05 I had my Silverado and her service person was going to have a look at mine can't do much about dreams I guess but it was nice

 

[thatwasherguy]

loganvac

I’m glad to hear I’m not alone in liking the victory based machines! I too love their styling and motor tone. They me of the Sebo X and G series uprights in these ways. It seems that Sebo took everything I love about the victory, and made a commercial vacuum out of it. (I hope to get a G4 from my local vac shop soon). Back to the victory: How well does the self-propel work on your machine? I’ve been curious about the self propelled models for a while. I was unaware of the motor fan problem untill now as well. Was this present on machines manufactured in a certain time frame? (The mega boss I have appears to have been made in ‘99). I have never heard it make a strange noise, but if it ever does, I’ll know what to check. If this occurs, is there any fix for it?
Happy vacuuming!
Thatwasherguy.

 

[loganvac]

thatwasherguy

As far as the self-propelled, I like how it works on thinner pile carpet. At my home we have thicker shag style carpet and because the feature is limited to one rear wheel, it isn't as effective on my thicker pile carpet but it's very nice to use overall. The coolest part is there is an entirely separate motor for this system!

As far as the motor fan balance issues go, I'm uncertain if its more or less common for certain model years. Although as a preventative measure, the fan blades can be blown out with compressed air and the nut securing the fan can be tightened a bit. Personally I believe this issue would be more common with the bagless variants due to the fact that the design allows for damaging fine dust to pass through the motor. I did have this issue one time in a bagged Envirovac however.

 

[cam2s]

It must be a 90s thing…I always enjoyed the Eureka Victory as well. Looking at it now as collector it’s a ho hum machine but I always thought the shape was unique. Always a nostalgic vacuum to use.